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Brute Force Attacks Spread Ransomware Fast

Posted: February 15, 2017 to News.

Tags: Ransomware, Malware, Data Breach

A hacker group has been using brute force attacks to gain access to small business networks, mostly in Australia and New Zealand, to spread Crysis ransomware since September.  The number of attacks doubled in January and spread to larger businesses in more countries, particularly American healthcare organizations. The hackers gain access to networks through RPD ports.  They then determine whether the computer they've accessed is connected to an enterprise network, and if it is they load Crysis ransomware onto every computer on the network that they can. Here's the kicker, though.  Sometimes the hackers are able to buy access through previously hacked accounts that are available on the black market.  Almost as easy, however, is brute forcing their way in.  In brute force attacks, the hackers automate repeated login attempts using common login credentials.  So basically, easy username and password combinations are a big culprit in the surge of ransomware attacks.  When was the last time a professional evaluated your security?  Call us today to schedule an appointment.  

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About the Author

Craig Petronella, CEO and Founder of Petronella Technology Group
CEO, Founder & AI Architect, Petronella Technology Group

Craig Petronella founded Petronella Technology Group in 2002 and has spent more than 30 years working at the intersection of cybersecurity, AI, compliance, and digital forensics. He holds the CMMC Registered Practitioner credential (RP-1372) issued by the Cyber AB, is an NC Licensed Digital Forensics Examiner (License #604180-DFE), and completed MIT Professional Education programs in AI, Blockchain, and Cybersecurity. Craig also holds CompTIA Security+, CCNA, and Hyperledger certifications.

He is an Amazon #1 Best-Selling Author of 15+ books on cybersecurity and compliance, host of the Encrypted Ambition podcast (95+ episodes on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and Amazon), and a cybersecurity keynote speaker with 200+ engagements at conferences, law firms, and corporate boardrooms. Craig serves as Contributing Editor for Cybersecurity at NC Triangle Attorney at Law Magazine and is a guest lecturer at NCCU School of Law. He has served as a digital forensics expert witness in federal and state court cases involving cybercrime, cryptocurrency fraud, SIM-swap attacks, and data breaches.

Under his leadership, Petronella Technology Group has served 2,500+ clients, maintained a zero-breach record among compliant clients, earned a BBB A+ rating every year since 2003, and been featured as a cybersecurity authority on CBS, ABC, NBC, FOX, and WRAL. The company leverages SOC 2 Type II certified platforms and specializes in AI implementation, managed cybersecurity, CMMC/HIPAA/SOC 2 compliance, and digital forensics for businesses across the United States.

CMMC-RP NC Licensed DFE MIT Certified CompTIA Security+ Expert Witness 15+ Books
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